Odisha Minister Shot In The Chest By Cop Who Fired Twice

Naba Kisore Das, the minister of health for the state of Odisha, was shot today at Gandhi Chowk in Brajarajnagar in the Jharsuguda district at around 1 o’clock. He was shot in the chest while he was travelling to a programme. The minister was struck by two bullets from the policeman and sent to the hospital in critical condition. According to witnesses, he was later evacuated to Bhubaneswar.

“Assistant Sub-inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das opened fire at the minister. The minister is injured and rushed to hospital,” Brajrajnagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Gupteswar Bhoi told reporters. Gopal Das was caught by locals, and has been taken into custody, the police said.

According to witnesses, he was shot as soon as he got out of his car. The attack’s motivations are yet unknown.

Videos taken at the scene showed Mr. Das bleeding from the chest as others attempted to raise the unconscious minister and put him on the front seat of a car.

Naba Das served as the chief guest for the launching of a public complaints office. A crowd gathered to greet him as he arrived. Suddenly, there were some loud booms. A witness claimed, “We witnessed a police officer rushing away after shooting at close range.”

“I am shocked at the unfortunate incident of attack. I strongly condemn this and pray for his early recovery. Crime Branch is directed to take up investigation. Senior officers of Crime Branch are asked to go to the spot,” he said. At a Bhubaneswar private hospital, the state minister is receiving medical care. Following the incident, the community was tense as Mr. Das’ followers questioned “security shortcomings.” Some of them asserted that he was the target of a plot.

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